UEFA Stop Use of 2022 St. Petersburg Champions League Final Ball
Update: Fully confirming the switch away from the St. Petersburg design, the likes of Bayern and Liverpool trained with the group-stage ball ahead of their Champions League matches this week.
Update: As expected, UEFA have stopped the use of the St. Petersburg-branded 2021-22 Champions League final ball following the decision to move the final to Paris.
As observed by our follower Sandro in the UEFA Youth League, which was played this week, UEFA reverted to using the group-stage football after the St. Petersburg version had already been used in earlier games this month. Specifically, the group-stage football was used in the games between Manchester United and Dortmund, and PSG and Sevilla yesterday, and is expected to be used in today's games as well.
It will be interesting to see whether a dedicated new final ball will be released for the UEFA Champions League or if UEFA will take the same action as in the Youth League. The UEFA CL returns on March 8.
Original article (Feb 25, 2022): With Russia's recent invasion of Ukraine, many voices worldwide cried out against this move. Among them were also UEFA, who planned to hold the 2022 Champions League final in St. Petersburg.
Will Adidas Change the UCL Final Ball?
UEFA strongly condemned Russia's actions and met today to make the decision to remove St. Petersburg as the host city. The final is to be played on May 28, 2022, with the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, near Paris, announced as the new location.
The last time a Champions League final was staged at this venue was in 2006, when Barcelona beat Arsenal 2-1.
With St. Petersburg no longer hosting the 2022 Champions League final, Adidas' 2022 UCL final ball might require an aesthetic makeover.
The entire design is inspired by the Russian city, so simply printing over the inscriptions will not be enough to fully remove the St. Petersburg theme.
It is not yet clear what Adidas have planned. With several months until the Champions League final, they certainly still have the option of releasing a new ball to match the new host city.
They have no obligation to mass-produce this new model. Adidas could simply produce a small quantity of Paris-themed UCL balls that are to be used only for the final.
For reference, in 2020, when the UCL final was supposed to take place in Istanbul but was played in Porto instead, the writing and design on the ball were not altered. The current Russia situation could be cause for Adidas and UEFA to think differently on the matter, though.
The ball for the 2006 Champions League final in France featured a design with the country's iconic 'tricolore'. Perhaps Adidas could invoke similar designs if they do decide to remake the 2022 UCL final ball.
What do you think Adidas should do? Comment below.
Leaked: Adidas Originals River Plate Retro Shirt Hints at 26-27 Away Kit
We have the first image of a brand-new Adidas Originals River Plate retro shirt. It is part of the team's 26-27 away collection.
The River Plate retro shirt features a color-blocked design reminiscent of classic 1980s sportswear. The upper half of the torso and the raglan sleeves are solid red, while the lower half is crisp white. Separating the two sections is a prominent, thick black horizontal chest band. A classic white Adidas Trefoil logo and the traditional River Plate shield sit high on the chest, keeping the design completely free of modern sponsors for a pure, vintage aesthetic.
Vitória SC Announces Hummel Kit Deal
Vitória Sport Clube has officially announced a new five-year technical sponsorship deal with Hummel, beginning with the 2026-27 season. The Danish sportswear brand will supply the Portuguese club's match kits, training gear, and lifestyle apparel until the end of the 2030-31 campaign. This agreement brings an end to Vitória SC's decade-long partnership with Macron, who had been the club's kit maker since the 2016-17 season.
The club described the new agreement as a "return to the past to project into the future," referencing Hummel's previous stint as Vitória SC's kit supplier during 1992-92.
Boca Juniors 26-27 Shirt + Shorts, Socks & Pre-Match Jersey Leaked
We can leak the full look at the Boca Juniors 2026-27 home kit - it is completed by shorts and socks that match the stripe design of the kit.
SV Austria Salzburg 26-27 Home Kit Released
The new SV Austria Salzburg home kit for the 26-27 season has been officially released today. Made by Capelli, the new shirt will be worn by the club in the Austrian 2. Liga.
The Capelli SV Austria Salzburg 2026-27 home jersey features a bespoke design in the club's traditional colors. It incorporates two different tones of violet and is highlighted by a custom graphic showcasing the Hohensalzburg fortress and the towers of the old town, representing the team's local identity and heritage.
The Capelli SV Austria Salzburg 2026-27 home football shirt is available to purchase immediately through the club's official fanshop, retailing at a price of 69 Euro.
Glentoran 26-27 Home Kit Released
Glentoran and Macron have launched the club's new 2026-27 home kit for the upcoming NIFL Premiership campaign. The design pays homage to the classic 1992-93 shirt worn during their memorable European Cup tie against Marseille, featuring a green body with red sleeves and shoulder panels separated by black trim.
Giving the shirt a distinct early 1990s retro feel, a red fold-over collar is included with black striping and a black V-shaped insert at the front. A tonal graphic pattern runs across both the green and red sections, adding texture to the Macron Eco Fabric. The Macron Hero logo appears in white on the chest and sleeves, sitting opposite the stitched Glentoran crest and its accompanying gold star.
Additional details include the club motto Le Jeu Avant Tout embroidered in white on the back of the collar, and Glentoran FC Est 1882 printed inside the lower hem. Featuring Bet McLean as the main sponsor, the new Glentoran 2026-27 home shirt is completed with matching white shorts and green socks.
